Tâm LMy Mobile HomeLab: A Travel Router and Secure Internet Access on the Go
In this article, we'll explore the concept of a mobile home lab, a device that provides secure internet access and various services on the go. This device is a travel router, designed to be portable and versatile, allowing users to access the internet securely from anywhere.
The Hardware
The mobile home lab is built on a Protectli VP2420 device, which is a small, portable computer. It's equipped with a Crucial 16 GB RAM, an Intel Wi-Fi 6 (alternate Wi-Fi option), a Samsung 1 TB SSD, a USB NIC (ralink chipset), and a Wyze Camera.
The Build
The device was chosen after researching alternatives, and the builder was excited to create a combination of services into one package. The Protectli device was selected because of its small size and powerful capabilities.
Proxmox and OpenWRT
The mobile home lab runs on Proxmox, a powerful virtualization platform, and OpenWRT, a Linux-based operating system for routers. This combination allows for the creation of multiple virtual machines and containers, making it possible to run various services on the device.
LAN, WAN, and Wireless NIC (Access Point)
The device has a LAN, WAN, and wireless NIC (access point) configuration, which enables it to connect to multiple networks and provide internet access to devices connected to it.
LTE Connectivity
The device also has LTE connectivity, which allows it to connect to the internet using a mobile data network.
PiHole and Docker
The mobile home lab also runs PiHole, a DNS-based ad blocker, and Docker, a containerization platform. This allows for the creation of multiple containers for various services, such as media streaming, and provides network-wide ad blocking.
VPN and Security
The device also provides VPN connectivity, allowing users to connect to their home network securely while traveling. This provides the same protection as if they were physically at home.
Media Streaming and More
The mobile home lab can also be used for media streaming, with the ability to install containers like Jellyfin or Plex. This allows users to stream movies and TV shows from the device to any connected device, without an internet connection.
...we can install any container we like and take it with us...
Conclusion
The mobile home lab is a powerful device that provides secure internet access and various services on the go. It's a combination of a travel router, a virtualization platform, and a containerization platform, all in one portable device.
